TWI877467B - Lens assembly device - Google Patents

Abstract

A provided lens assembly device includes a lens assembly that has a plurality of adjacently lens modules, each accommodating one or more lenses, and a lens holder where the plurality of lens modules are disposed, where, for each of the plurality of lens modules, a respective lens module includes a side surface facing another lens module, of the plurality of lens modules, disposed adjacent to the respective lens module, where the side surface includes at least a first flat surface, and at least one lens, of the one or more lenses of the respective lens module, having a first total length in a first axial direction, perpendicular to an optical axis of the respective lens module, and a second total length in a second axial direction, perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, where the first total length is longer than the second total length.

Description

Lens assembly [Cross reference to related applications]

This application claims the priority rights of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0058066 filed on May 4, 2021 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0147266 filed on October 29, 2021, and all disclosures of the aforementioned Korean Patent Applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

This disclosure relates to a lens assembly element.

Camera modules have been used in electronic components. As a non-limiting example, camera modules have been used in portable electronic components such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), and laptop computers.

In addition, in recent years, for example, in order to capture high-resolution images or videos, the number of pixels of image sensors and the size of the image sensors themselves have increased, and the number of lenses has also increased. This increased number of lenses, or increased number of lenses and increased image sensor size, results in a corresponding increase in the size of the camera module. However, due to the increased size of the camera module, the camera module may protrude from the portable electronic component, which may be problematic.

This invention content is provided to introduce in a simplified form a series of concepts that are further elaborated in the detailed description below. This invention content is not intended to identify the key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In a general aspect, a lens assembly element includes a lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly includes: a plurality of lens modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules accommodates one or more lenses; and a lens holder in which the plurality of lens modules are disposed, wherein for each of the plurality of lens modules, the corresponding lens module includes: a side surface facing another lens module in the plurality of lens modules, wherein the other lens module is in contact with the lens module; The corresponding lens module is disposed adjacent to each other, wherein the side surface includes at least a first flat surface; and at least one lens of the one or more lenses of the corresponding lens module has a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, and has a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include: an opening penetrating the first flat surface; and a portion of the at least one lens exposed to the outside of the corresponding lens module through the opening.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include: a first side surface portion, a second side surface portion, a third side surface portion and a fourth side surface portion, wherein the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion are arranged to face each other relative to the optical axis, the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion are arranged to face each other relative to the optical axis, and the total distance between the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion is greater than the total distance between the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include: the first flat surface is disposed at the third side surface portion or the fourth side surface portion to face the other lens module, and the first flat surface has an opening that penetrates through the first flat surface from the inside of the corresponding lens module to the outside of the corresponding lens module.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include: the first flat surface is arranged at the third side surface portion or the fourth side surface portion to face the other lens module, the second side surface portion or the first side surface portion is arranged to face the additional lens module arranged adjacent to the corresponding lens module among the plurality of lens modules, and the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion each have a second flat surface.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include: the first flat surface having a first opening penetrating from the interior of the corresponding lens module through the first flat surface to the exterior of the corresponding lens module in the second axial direction, and the second flat surface of the first side surface portion or the second side surface portion having a second opening penetrating from the interior of the corresponding lens module through the second flat surface to the exterior of the corresponding lens module in the first axial direction.

The plurality of lens modules may include at least a first lens module, a second lens module, a third lens module, and a fourth lens module, each lens module further including a first surface portion and a second surface portion, wherein an opening in the first flat surface of the first lens module may face an opening in the first flat surface of the second lens module to expose a side surface of the at least one lens of the first lens module to the second lens. The first surface portion of the first lens module can face the opening in the first flat surface of the fourth lens module, so as to expose the side surface of the at least one lens of the third lens module to the side surface of the at least one lens of the fourth lens module, wherein the first surface portion of the first lens module can face the opening in the first flat surface of the third lens module. The second surface portion of the second lens module may face the first surface portion of the fourth lens module, and the second surface portion of the first lens module may include a first opening, the first surface portion of the second lens module may include a second opening, the first surface portion of the third lens module may include a third opening, and the second surface portion of the fourth lens module may include a fourth opening, wherein each of the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening may expose the other side surface of at least one lens of each of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module to the corresponding exterior of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module, respectively.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include: the at least one lens having an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion; and the optical portion having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge when observed in the optical axis direction of the corresponding lens module, wherein the first edge has an arc shape, the second edge is disposed on a side opposite to the first edge relative to the optical axis and has an arc shape, and the third edge and the fourth edge respectively connect the first edge and the second edge to each other.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include an opening, the opening being located in the first flat surface, the third edge or the fourth edge being exposed to the outside of the corresponding lens module through the opening to expose the optical portion to the outside, and the opening of the first lens module of the plurality of lens modules may face the opening of the second lens module of the plurality of lens modules.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include the flange portion, wherein the flange portion has a first flange portion extending from the first edge and a second flange portion extending from the second edge.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include: the side surface of the first flange portion has a first flat surface portion and a first curved surface portion; the side surface of the second flange portion has a second flat surface portion and a second curved surface portion; the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion are surfaces intersecting with a virtual line passing through the optical axis and extending in the first axis direction; the first curved surface portion is disposed on both sides of the first flat surface portion; and the second curved surface portion is disposed on both sides of the second flat surface portion.

The corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules may further include a surface of the corresponding lens module corresponding to the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion, the surface having an opening, and the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion are at least partially exposed to the exterior of the corresponding lens module through the opening.

The lens holder may have an opening portion, through which portions of the corresponding side surfaces of each of the plurality of lens modules are exposed, and the opening portions may be respectively arranged along the exterior of the lens holder at positions intersecting with corresponding virtual lines connecting optical axes of the lens modules among the plurality of lens modules, and the opening portions are arranged to face each other in corresponding diagonal directions.

The lens assembly element may further include a single image sensor, wherein the lens assembly and the single image sensor are configured as a camera module.

The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the multiple lens modules may be parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle may be parallel to the long side of the single image sensor.

In a general aspect, a lens assembly element includes a camera module, the camera module including: a plurality of lens modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules accommodates one or more lenses; a lens holder accommodating the plurality of lens modules; a housing accommodating the lens holder; and an image sensor module coupled to the housing, wherein for each of the plurality of lens modules, the corresponding lens module includes: four side surfaces, each of the four side surfaces having at least a flat surface; at least one of the four side surfaces having a flat surface; At least one side surface of the corresponding lens module has an opening penetrating the flat surface of the at least one side surface; at least one lens of the one or more lenses of the corresponding lens module has a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, and has a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length; and at least a portion of the side surface of the at least one lens is exposed to the outside of the corresponding lens module through the opening.

The image sensor module may include a single image sensor, which is configured in the camera module and is used to receive light directed toward the single image sensor by each of the multiple lens modules.

The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the multiple lens modules may be parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle may be parallel to the long side of the single image sensor.

The area of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the multiple lens modules may be smaller than the area of the effective image capturing area of the single image sensor.

Relative to capturing an image of the entirety of the object, each of the one or more lenses of the plurality of lens modules may respectively direct light from at least a different observation portion of the object to at least a separate portion of the single image sensor, or each of the one or more lenses of the plurality of lens modules may respectively direct light of the entirety of the object to at least the same portion of the single image sensor.

In a general aspect, a lens assembly element includes a camera module, the camera module including: a single image sensor; a plurality of lens modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules respectively accommodates one or more lenses; and a lens holder accommodating the plurality of lens modules, wherein the plurality of lens modules include two lens modules, each of the two lens modules having a lens that passes through the two lenses. Adjacent side surfaces where the virtual lines of the optical axes of the modules intersect, wherein the adjacent side surfaces have adjacent openings, and the adjacent openings respectively expose the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the lenses of the one or more lenses of the two lens modules to each other, and wherein each of the lenses further includes a corresponding flange extending from the optical part, wherein the corresponding flange is arranged to face at least the corresponding inner side surfaces of the two lens modules.

For each of the lenses, the corresponding lens may include a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens, and a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length.

The corresponding inner side surfaces may each have a surface portion with an opening, and the opening exposes the corresponding side surface of the corresponding flange to the corresponding exterior of the two lens modules.

The plurality of lens modules may include two other lens modules, each of which has other adjacent side surfaces intersecting with a virtual line passing through the optical axis of the other two lens modules, wherein the other adjacent side surfaces have adjacent openings, and the adjacent openings respectively expose the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the other lenses of the one or more lenses of the other two lens modules to each other.

The multiple lens modules may include only four lens modules.

When viewed in the direction of the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, each of the optical portion and the other optical portions may have a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, wherein the first edge has an arc shape, the second edge is disposed on a side opposite to the first edge relative to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module and has an arc shape, and the third edge connects the first edge and the second edge to each other. The method further comprises: exposing the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the lenses of the two lens modules to each other, wherein exposing the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the lenses of the two lens modules to each other may include exposing the third edges of each of the two lens modules to each other, and exposing the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the other lenses of the other two lens modules to each other may include exposing the third edges of each of the other two lens modules to each other.

The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the multiple lens modules may be parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle may be parallel to the long side of the single image sensor.

The lens holder may have an opening portion, through which portions of the corresponding side surfaces of each of the plurality of lens modules are exposed, and the opening portions may be respectively arranged along the exterior of the lens holder at positions intersecting with corresponding virtual lines of optical axes of the lens modules connecting the plurality of lens modules, and the opening portions are arranged to face each other in corresponding diagonal directions.

The multiple lens modules and the lens holder are included in a lens assembly, and wherein the camera module is configured to move the lens assembly in a direction parallel to the optical axis and relative to the single image sensor, and/or to move the lens assembly in one or more directions perpendicular to the optical axis and relative to the single image sensor, for respectively performing focus adjustment and/or image stabilization.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by reading the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

10: Optical part

11: The first edge

12: The second edge

13: The Third Edge

14: The fourth edge

30: flange part

31: First flange part

31a: First flat surface portion

31b: First curved surface portion

32: Second flange part

32a: Second flat surface portion

32b: Second curved surface portion

100: Lens combination

110: First lens module

111: First lens

113: Second lens

113a: First opening

113b: Second opening

115: First lens barrel

116: First side surface portion

116a: first side surface

116b, 116c: second side surface

117: Second side surface portion

117a: Third side surface

117b, 117c: fourth side surface

118: Third side surface portion

119: Fourth side surface portion

130: Second lens module

150: Third lens module

170: Fourth lens module

190: Lens bracket

191: Opening part

200: Shell

300: Shell

400: Image sensor module

410: Image sensor

430:Printed circuit board

a:long axis

b: short axis

I1: First Image

I2: Second Image

I3: The Third Image

I4: The fourth image

L1: Lens/First lens

L2: Lens/Second lens

X, Y, Z: direction/axis

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are reference diagrams showing an image capture screen of a camera module according to one or more corresponding embodiments.

FIG5 is a plan view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

FIG6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

7A to 7C are perspective views showing a lens module included in a lens assembly from various angles according to one or more embodiments.

FIG8 is a plan view of a lens having a non-circular planar shape according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first lens module to the fourth lens module according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating alignment of a lens assembly with an image sensor according to one or more embodiments.

Throughout all drawings and detailed descriptions, unless otherwise specified or provided, the same drawing reference numbers will be understood to refer to the same or similar elements, features and structures. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative size, proportion and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration and convenience.

The following detailed description is provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and/or systems described herein. However, various variations, modifications and equivalent forms of the methods, devices and/or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is only an example and is not limited to the order of operations described herein, but may be obviously changed after understanding the disclosure of this application, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. In addition, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, the description of features that are known after understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted.

For the purpose of explanation, some elements, components or features may be omitted in some embodiments according to the discussion, but the omission of such elements, components or features is not intended to mean that such embodiments may not include any or all of such elements, components or features. Similarly, for the purpose of such explanation and as a non-limiting example, the thickness of such elements, components or features, for example, may be shown in an enlarged or expanded form or shape to focus the explanation on various layers and regions, but the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, as described above, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative size, proportion and depiction of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration and convenience. In addition, components with the same or similar functions within the scope of the same or similar ideas may also be referred to as the same components, although the embodiments are not limited to this.

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. In addition, the terms used herein are used to illustrate various examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Expressions such as "has/have" or "may have", "includes" or "may include", "comprises" or "may include" may specify that the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements and/or combinations thereof are present in various embodiments, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements and/or combinations thereof in other various embodiments. In addition, in this document, it is further noted that the use of the term "may" with respect to an example or embodiment (e.g., with respect to what an example or embodiment may include or implement) means that there is at least one example or embodiment that includes or implements such a feature, and all examples and embodiments are not limited thereto. Likewise, expressions indicating that corresponding characteristics (e.g., values, functions, operations, or components (e.g., parts) may exist or may exist with respect to the features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and/or combinations thereof do not exclude the existence of additional or alternative such corresponding characteristics, and again, it is noted that the use of the term "may" also means that the embodiments are not limited to the existence or having corresponding characteristics unless otherwise expressly indicated in the present disclosure.

In this specification, expressions such as "A and/or B", "at least one of A and B", or "one or more of A and B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, "A and/or B", "at least one of A and B", or "one or more of A and B" means (1) including at least one A; (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

Although terms such as "first", "second" and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers or sections, these components, assemblies, regions, layers or sections are not limited by these terms. Instead, these terms are only used to distinguish various components, components, regions, layers or sections. Therefore, without departing from the teaching content of the examples, the first component, component, region, layer or section mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as the second component, component, region, layer or section.

In the drawings, the X direction may be defined as a first direction, an L direction, or a length direction. The Y direction may be defined as a second direction, a W direction, or a width direction. The Z direction may be defined as a third direction, a T direction, a thickness direction, or an optical axis direction. In addition, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "above", "upper", "below", and "lower" may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another element as shown in the drawings. Such spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawing is flipped, an element described as being "above" or "upper" relative to another element will now be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Therefore, the term "above" encompasses both the upper and lower orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs after understanding the disclosure of the present application. Terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) will be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the disclosure of the present application, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments, FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are reference diagrams showing image capture screens of camera modules according to one or more corresponding embodiments. The camera module may also be referred to as a lens assembly element.

As a non-limiting example, the exemplary embodiments may include or be applied to electronic components such as portable electronic components (such as mobile communication terminals, smart phones, and tablet PCs). The electronic components may also be referred to as lens assembly components.

First, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , according to one or more exemplary embodiments, the camera module may include, for example, a lens assembly 100, a housing 200, a casing 300, and an image sensor module 400.

The lens assembly 100 may include a plurality of lens modules. The plurality of lens modules may each have a corresponding optical axis. For example, the optical axes of adjacent lens modules may be arranged in parallel.

The multiple lens modules can be arranged into an n×n matrix structure, or can be arranged into an n×m matrix structure. Here, n and m are different natural numbers that are 2 or greater than 2.

In the following, for the sake of convenience of explanation, an embodiment in which the plurality of lens modules are arranged in a 2×2 matrix structure will be described, while noting that there are alternative embodiments. For example, the plurality of lens modules may include a first lens module 110, a second lens module 130, a third lens module 150, and a fourth lens module 170.

As a non-limiting example, the focal length deviation of the multiple lens modules may be within ±0.03 mm, the viewing angle deviation may be within ±3°, and the distortion deviation may be within ±3°.

The lens assembly 100 may be housed in a housing 200. The camera module may be configured to perform focus adjustment and/or image stabilization.

For example, the lens assembly 100 may be controlled to move in the direction of the optical axis relative to the housing 200 to perform focusing. In addition, the lens assembly 100 may be controlled to move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis relative to the housing 200 to perform image stabilization. Here, the optical axis direction relative to the housing 200 may be a vertical direction in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, for example, wherein the exemplary width direction and length direction of the housing 200 may each represent a corresponding direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

For example, the camera module in the embodiment may include one or more actuators, which are respectively configured to move the lens assembly 100 in the optical axis direction and/or in one or more directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction, for example, to perform focus adjustment and/or image stabilization.

The housing 300 can be coupled to the housing 200 having the lens assembly 100 and can protect the internal configuration of the camera module.

In an embodiment, the camera module may include an image sensor module 400, which may be coupled to, for example, the housing 200. As a non-limiting example, the image sensor module 400 may include an image sensor 410 and a printed circuit board 430 to which the image sensor 410 is connected. Here, the image sensor 410 may be provided as an image sensor 410, for example, receiving light from each of the plurality of lens modules.

That is, in an embodiment, the lens assembly 100 may include a plurality of lens modules, wherein the exemplary image sensor module 400 may not represent a plurality of image sensors corresponding to the corresponding lens modules, but may be a single image sensor 410 that receives light passing through each of the four lens modules, for example. For example, the image sensor 410 may be respectively configured to receive light directed toward the image sensor 410 by each of the plurality of lens modules.

The positions where the light passing through the lens modules is received by the single image sensor 410 may be different from each other. For example, the position where the light passing through the first lens module 110 is received, the position where the light passing through the second lens module 130 is received, the position where the light passing through the third lens module 150 is received, and the position where the light passing through the fourth lens module 170 is received may be different from each other.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , a camera module according to one or more embodiments can generate a complete image by combining images captured by multiple lens modules.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the image capture target may be divided into segments, wherein each lens module may be configured to capture a corresponding image of a corresponding segment of the image capture target, and thus, the captured images may be combined to generate a complete image at a single image sensor.

For example, the first lens module 110 can capture a first image I1 corresponding to a first area of the image capture target, the second lens module 130 can capture a second image I2 corresponding to a second area of the image capture target, the third lens module 150 can capture a third image I3 corresponding to a third area of the image capture target, and the fourth lens module 170 can capture a fourth image I4 corresponding to a fourth area of the image capture target.

Then, the first image I1 to the fourth image I4 can be combined at a single image sensor to generate a complete image representing the image capture target.

Since one lens module may not be able to capture an image of the entire image capture target, the size of the lens module may be smaller than the size of the lens module where one lens module will be used to capture the same image of the entire image capture target. In addition, according to an embodiment, the number of lenses included in each lens module of the camera module may be less than the number of lenses where one lens module projects light to an image sensor (e.g., an image sensor having a size similar to that of the image sensor 410).

Thus, the camera module according to the embodiment can segment the image capture target, capture corresponding images of the corresponding segmented segments of the image capture target, and combine the captured images to generate a complete image at a single image sensor, for example, so that the camera module can have a small size even when using an image sensor 410 having a large number of pixels and a large size.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the multiple lens modules can each capture an overall image of, for example, the same image capture target, and the captured images can be combined to generate a complete image at a single image sensor.

For example, the first lens module 110 to the fourth lens module 170 can capture images of the same image capture target to generate first images I1 to fourth images I4 respectively.

Then, the first image I1 to the fourth image I4 can be combined at a single image sensor to generate an image having a higher resolution than the individual images. For example, each of the lens modules can generate an image having a first resolution, so that the generated image has a different resolution higher than the first resolution.

Thus, the camera module according to the embodiment can combine images captured by a plurality of lens modules, so that the camera module can have a small size even when using an image sensor 410 having a large number of pixels and a large size.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments, FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C are perspective views showing a lens module included in the lens assembly from various angles according to one or more embodiments. In an example, the lens assembly and the lens module are the same lens assembly and lens module, respectively. The lens assembly may also be referred to as a lens assembly element.

FIG8 is a plan view of a lens having a non-circular planar shape according to one or more embodiments, FIG9 is a perspective view of exemplary first to fourth lens modules according to one or more embodiments, and FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing alignment of a lens assembly with an image sensor according to one or more embodiments. In an example, the first to fourth lens modules may each include a lens such as shown in FIG8, and the first to fourth lens modules may be included in the lens assembly.

First, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the lens assembly 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first lens module 110, a second lens module 130, a third lens module 150, and a fourth lens module 170, and may further include a lens bracket 190.

Each lens module may include one or more lenses and lens barrels, wherein each of the one or more lenses may be disposed inside a corresponding lens barrel of each lens module. In the case where multiple lenses are disposed in one or more of the lens modules, the multiple lenses may be mounted inside the corresponding lens barrel along the optical axis.

The first lens module 110 to the fourth lens module 170 can be fixedly disposed inside the lens bracket 190.

In one case, an array lens in which a plurality of lenses are arranged in a matrix pattern on a single plate is used to generate a complete image by dividing an image capture target, capturing an image of each segment of the divided image capture target, and combining the captured images, or by combining multiple images of the same image capture target.

In this case, a plurality of array lenses can be stacked in the optical axis direction, thereby implementing a lens combination having a plurality of optical axes. In addition, each of the array lenses having the plurality of optical axes is arranged in a lens barrel.

However, when multiple array lenses are stacked in one lens barrel, the corresponding optical axis of each lens of one array lens may not be aligned with the corresponding optical axis of each lens of another array lens stacked in the one lens barrel (e.g., because the corresponding multiple optical axes of each array lens may not be individually aligned), which is a serious problem.

However, in the lens assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments, the plurality of lens modules may be arranged individually or separately in the lens holder 190, for example in a corresponding lens barrel, so that in one or more embodiments, the optical axes of each of the plurality of lens modules may be individually aligned.

For example, the opening portion 191 may be disposed in the lens holder 190 and may each penetrate the side surface of the lens holder 190 in a diagonal direction relative to the optical axis.

In an example, the virtual line connecting the optical axis of the first lens module 110 and the optical axis of the fourth lens module 170 can also be connected to the opening portion 191 closest to the first lens module 110 and the opening portion 191 closest to the fourth lens module 170, and the virtual line connecting the optical axis of the second lens module 130 and the optical axis of the third lens module 150 can also be connected to the opening portion 191 closest to the second lens module 130 and the opening portion 191 closest to the third lens module 150, and the two virtual lines can cross each other.

Thereby, a portion of the side surface of each of the first lens module 110 to the fourth lens module 170 can be exposed to the outside through the corresponding opening portion 191.

Since the multiple lens modules can be arranged in an n×n or n×m matrix structure, the size of the lens assembly 100 in the diagonal direction of the arranged matrix structure can be the largest.

Since the lens holder 190 has an opening portion 191 penetrating the side surface of the lens holder 190 in the diagonal direction relative to the corresponding optical axis of the lens module, the size of the lens assembly 100 can be reduced.

7A to 7C are perspective views of the first lens module 110. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the first lens module 110 will be described, but the second lens module 130 to the fourth lens module 170 of the lens assembly may also have the same or similar shape as the first lens module 110. For example, the first lens module 110 to the fourth lens module 170 of the lens assembly may be the same, although differently oriented relative to each other.

The first lens module 110 may include at least one lens and a first lens barrel 115.

The first lens barrel 115 may include a first lens barrel 111 and a second lens barrel 113. The first lens barrel 111 and the second lens barrel 113 may refer to the upper part and the lower part of one lens barrel, respectively. In one embodiment, the first lens barrel 111 and the second lens barrel 113 may be provided as separate components and coupled to each other, and it is noted that the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The first barrel 111 may have a cylindrical shape with an inner space, and the second barrel 113 may have a rectangular box shape with an inner space. The upper surface of the first barrel 111 and the lower surface of the second barrel 113 may respectively have a passage hole for light to pass through.

At least one lens L1 having a circular planar shape (hereinafter referred to as a "first lens") may be disposed inside the first lens barrel 111, and at least one lens L2 having a non-circular planar shape (hereinafter referred to as a "second lens") may be disposed inside the second lens barrel 113.

For example, referring to FIG. 7A , when viewed in the optical axis direction, the second lens L2 may be non-circular.

On a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the length of the second lens L2 in a first axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be longer than the length of the second lens L2 in a second axis direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axis direction. For example, in a lens assembly, the optical axis of the lens of the lens module may also be the optical axis of the lens module.

For example, the second lens L2 may have a major axis a and a minor axis b. A virtual line segment connecting both sides of the second lens L2 in the first axis direction and passing through the optical axis at the same time may be the major axis a, and a virtual line segment connecting both sides of the second lens L2 in the second axis direction and passing through the optical axis at the same time may be the minor axis b. The major axis a and the minor axis b may be perpendicular to each other, and the length of the major axis a may be longer than the length of the minor axis b.

The second lens L2 may have four side surfaces along the circumference of the second lens L2. When viewed in the optical axis direction, two of the four side surfaces may have a substantially linear shape, and each of the other two side surfaces may have an arc-shaped portion and a linear portion.

For example, the planar shape of the second lens L2 may be a rectangular shape with rounded corners, and other shapes are also available.

In the embodiment, generally speaking, the image sensor 410 is rectangular. Therefore, not all images of light refracted by the circular lens are formed on the image sensor 410.

According to an embodiment, the second lens L2 has a non-circular planar shape. Therefore, the lens and the lens barrel can have a small size without affecting image formation, thereby reducing the size of the lens module and the camera module.

At the same time, the second lens L2 has a major axis a and a minor axis b, and therefore has a maximum diameter and a minimum diameter. Here, the maximum diameter of the second lens L2 is greater than the diameter of the first lens L1.

That is, the second lens L2 having a relatively large diameter may have a non-circular planar shape.

The lens having a non-circular planar shape (e.g., the second lens L2) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8.

The second lens L2 may have an optical portion 10 and a flange portion 30.

The optical portion 10 may be a portion that shows the optical performance of the second lens L2. For example, light reflected from an object may be refracted when passing through the optical portion 10.

The optical portion 10 may have refractive power and may have an aspherical shape.

The flange portion 30 can secure the second lens L2 to another component (e.g., a lens barrel or another lens).

The flange portion 30 may extend from the optical portion 10 and may be formed integrally with the optical portion 10.

The optical portion 10 may be formed into a non-circular shape. For example, when viewed in the optical axis direction, the optical portion 10 may be non-circular. Referring to FIG. 8 , in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis), the length of the optical portion 10 in the first axis direction (X axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis) may be longer than the length of the optical portion 10 in the second axis direction (Y axis direction) perpendicular to both the optical axis (Z axis) and the first axis direction (X axis direction).

The optical portion 10 may have a first edge 11, a second edge 12, a third edge 13 and a fourth edge 14.

When observed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 may each have an arc shape.

The second edge 12 may be disposed on a side opposite to the first edge 11. In addition, the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 may be positioned to face each other based on the optical axis (Z axis).

The fourth edge 14 may be disposed on a side opposite to the third edge 13. In addition, the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 may be positioned to face each other based on the optical axis (Z axis).

The third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 may be connected to the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 respectively. The third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 may be symmetrical with respect to the optical axis (Z axis) and may be parallel to each other.

When viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 may have an arc shape, and the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 may generally have a substantially linear shape.

The optical portion 10 may have a long axis and a short axis. A virtual line segment connecting the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 at the shortest distance and passing through the optical axis (Z axis) at the same time may be the short axis, and a virtual line segment connecting the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 and passing through the optical axis (Z axis) at the same time and perpendicular to the short axis may be the long axis. The length of the long axis may be longer than the length of the short axis.

The flange portion 30 may extend in the first axis direction (X axis direction) along a portion of the circumference of the optical portion 10. At least a portion of the flange portion 30 may contact the inner surface of the lens barrel.

The flange portion 30 may include a first flange portion 31 and a second flange portion 32. The first flange portion 31 may extend from the first edge 11 of the optical portion 10, and the second flange portion 32 may extend from the second edge 12 of the optical portion 10.

The first edge 11 of the optical portion 10 may be a portion adjacent to the first flange portion 31, and the second edge 12 of the optical portion 10 may be a portion adjacent to the second flange portion 32.

The third edge 13 of the optical portion 10 may be a side surface of the optical portion 10 on which the flange portion 30 is not formed, and the fourth edge 14 of the optical portion 10 may be another side surface of the optical portion 10 on which the flange portion 30 is not formed.

The side surface of the first flange portion 31 may have a first flat surface portion 31a and a first curved surface portion 31b. The first flat surface portion 31a may be a side surface intersecting a virtual line extending from the long axis of the optical portion 10. The first flat surface portion 31a may be a flat surface.

The first curved surface portion 31b may be disposed on both sides of the first flat surface portion 31a, respectively. The first curved surface portion 31b may be a surface in contact with the inner surface of the lens barrel and may be a curved surface.

The second flange portion 32 may have a second flat surface portion 32a and a second curved surface portion 32b. The second flat surface portion 32a may be a side surface intersecting a virtual line extending from the long axis of the optical portion 10. The second flat surface portion 32a may be a flat surface.

The second curved surface portion 32b may be disposed on both sides of the second flat surface portion 32a, respectively. The second curved surface portion 32b may be a surface in contact with the inner surface of the lens barrel and may be a curved surface.

At the same time, since the multiple lens modules divide the image capture target and each captures the image of each segment of the divided image capture target, or each captures the image of the same image capture target, the optical axes of the multiple lens modules can be arranged close to each other.

Thereby, each lens module may have an opening in each of the multiple surfaces facing the adjacent lens modules.

For example, each lens module may have a first opening 113a and a second opening 113b.

The first lens barrel 115 of the first lens module 110 may have a first opening 113a disposed at a portion intersecting with the short axis b of the second lens L2 and a second opening 113b disposed at a portion intersecting with the long axis a of the second lens L2.

For example, for each lens module, the first opening 113a may be disposed at a portion intersecting with either side of a virtual line extending from the short axis b of the second lens L2, and the second opening 113b may be disposed at a portion intersecting with both sides of a virtual line extending from the long axis a of the second lens L2.

That is, for each lens module, the first opening 113a may include one opening through one side surface of the first lens barrel 115, and the second opening 113b may include two openings through two side surfaces of the first lens barrel 115.

With this configuration, the optical axes of the multiple lens modules can be positioned close to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7C , in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the width of the first lens barrel 115 in the first axis direction (X axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis) may be greater than the width of the first lens barrel 115 in the second axis direction (Y axis direction) perpendicular to both the optical axis (Z axis) and the first axis direction (X axis direction).

The first lens barrel 115 may have a first side surface portion 116, a second side surface portion 117, a third side surface portion 118, and a fourth side surface portion 119.

When viewed in the optical axis direction (Z axis direction), the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117 may be arranged to face each other relative to the optical axis (Z axis), and the third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119 may be arranged to face each other relative to the optical axis (Z axis).

The third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119 may be connected to the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117, respectively.

The total distance between the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117 may be greater than the total distance between the third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119.

The first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117 may each have a curved surface disposed at a portion intersecting with the third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119, respectively.

For example, the first side surface portion 116 may have a first side surface 116a and second side surfaces 116b and 116c. The first side surface 116a may be a side surface intersecting with a virtual line extending in the first axis direction (X axis direction) and passing through the optical axis (Z axis). The first side surface 116a may have a flat surface.

The second side surfaces 116b and 116c may be disposed on both sides of the first side surface 116a. The second side surfaces 116b and 116c may be curved surfaces.

The second side surface portion 117 may have a third side surface 117a and fourth side surfaces 117b and 117c. The third side surface 117a may be a side surface intersecting with a virtual line extending in the first axis direction (X axis direction) and passing through the optical axis (Z axis). The third side surface 117a may have a flat surface.

The fourth side surfaces 117b and 117c may be disposed on both sides of the third side surface 117a. The fourth side surfaces 117b and 117c may be curved surfaces.

The third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119 may have a flat surface.

The first lens barrel 115 may have flat surfaces respectively disposed at side surfaces facing other adjacent lens barrels (e.g., the second lens barrel and the third lens barrel).

For example, the second side surface portion 117 and the third side surface portion 118 of the first lens barrel 115 may be surfaces facing other adjacent lens barrels (e.g., the second lens barrel and the third lens barrel), and the second side surface portion 117 and the third side surface portion 118 may have flat surfaces. Here, the flat surfaces disposed on the second side surface portion 117 and the third side surface portion 118 will be referred to as first flat surfaces.

In addition, the first side surface portion 116 and the fourth side surface portion 119 of the first lens barrel 115 may be surfaces that do not face other adjacent lens barrels. The first side surface portion 116 and the fourth side surface portion 119 may also have flat surfaces. Here, the flat surface disposed in the first side surface portion 116 and the fourth side surface portion 119 will be referred to as a second flat surface.

In this way, the side surface of the lens module can have a flat surface, so that the overall size of the lens assembly and the camera module can be reduced.

The first opening 113a may be disposed in the third side surface portion 118 or the fourth side surface portion 119, and the second opening 113b may be disposed in the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117, respectively.

For example, the first opening 113a penetrates the third side surface portion 118 or the fourth side surface portion 119 in the second axis direction (Y axis direction), and the second opening 113b penetrates the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117 in the first axis direction (X axis direction).

That is, in a case where the third side surface portion 118 of the first lens barrel 115 faces the third side surface portion of another lens barrel (e.g., the third lens barrel), the first opening 113a may be disposed in the third side surface portion 118. Here, the corresponding third side surface portions of the two lens barrels may be adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the third side surface portion of one lens barrel having the first opening 113a may face or be adjacent to the fourth side surface portion of another lens barrel having an opening similar to the first opening 113a.

Furthermore, in a case where the second side surface portion 117 of the first lens barrel 115 faces another lens barrel (e.g., a second lens barrel), the second opening 113b may be disposed in the second side surface portion 117.

Meanwhile, the first opening 113a may be provided only in the third side surface portion 118 (the side surface facing the adjacent lens barrel) of the first lens barrel 115, but the second opening 113b may be provided in both the second side surface portion 117 (the side surface facing another adjacent lens barrel) of the first lens barrel 115 and the first side surface portion 116 (the side surface not facing the adjacent lens barrel) of the first lens barrel 115.

By using this configuration, the degree of freedom in the layout of the multiple lens modules can be increased.

The non-circular lens (e.g., the second lens L2) can be accommodated in the first lens barrel 115, and the second lens L2 can be partially exposed to the outside of the first lens barrel 115 through the first opening 113a and the second opening 113b.

For example, the third edge 13 or the fourth edge 14 of the second lens L2 can be exposed to the outside of the first lens barrel 115 through the first opening 113a. In addition, the edges of each lens module exposed through the first opening 113a can be arranged to face each other.

In addition, the first flat surface portion 31a and the second flat surface portion 32a of the second lens L2 can be exposed to the outside of the first lens barrel 115 through the second opening 113b.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 10 , the short side of the virtual rectangle connecting the optical axes of the corresponding lens modules may be parallel to the short side of the image sensor 410, and the long side of the virtual rectangle connecting the optical axes of the corresponding lens modules may be parallel to the long side of the image sensor 410.

In addition, the area of the virtual rectangle connecting the optical axes of the corresponding lens modules may be smaller than the area of the effective image capturing area of the image sensor 410.

As described above, according to one or more embodiments and as a non-limiting example, a lens assembly and a camera module including the lens assembly can capture high-resolution images or videos while having a small size.

Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes in form and detail may be made to the examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered illustrative only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example is to be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results may be achieved if the techniques are performed in a different order and/or if components in the systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is defined not by the detailed description but by the scope of the patent application and its equivalents, and all changes within the scope of the patent application and its equivalents are to be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

100: Lens combination

110: First lens module

130: Second lens module

150: Third lens module

170: Fourth lens module

190: Lens bracket

Claims (28)

A lens assembly element comprises: a lens assembly, comprising: a plurality of lens modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules accommodates one or more lenses; and a lens holder, wherein the plurality of lens modules are arranged, wherein for each of the plurality of lens modules, the corresponding lens module comprises: a side surface facing another lens module among the plurality of lens modules, the other lens module being arranged adjacent to the corresponding lens module, wherein the side surface comprises at least a first flat surface; and at least one lens among the one or more lenses of the corresponding lens module, wherein the at least one lens At least one lens has a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, and has a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length, wherein the at least one lens has an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further comprises: an opening penetrating the first flat surface; and a portion of the at least one lens exposed to the outside of the corresponding lens module through the opening. The lens assembly element as described in claim 1, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further comprises: a first side surface portion, a second side surface portion, a third side surface portion and a fourth side surface portion; the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion are arranged to face each other relative to the optical axis, and the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion are arranged to face each other relative to the optical axis; and the total distance between the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion is greater than the total distance between the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion. The lens assembly element as described in claim 2, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further comprises: the first flat surface is disposed at the third side surface portion or the fourth side surface portion to face the other lens module; and the opening penetrates the first flat surface from the inside of the corresponding lens module to the outside of the corresponding lens module. The lens assembly element as described in claim 2, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further comprises: the first flat surface is arranged at the third side surface portion or the fourth side surface portion to face the other lens module; the second side surface portion or the first side surface portion is arranged to face the additional lens module arranged adjacent to the corresponding lens module among the plurality of lens modules; and the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion each have a second flat surface. The lens assembly element as described in claim 4, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further comprises: the first flat surface having a first opening penetrating from the interior of the corresponding lens module through the first flat surface to the exterior of the corresponding lens module in the second axial direction, and the second flat surface of the first side surface portion or the second side surface portion having a second opening, the second opening penetrating from the interior of the corresponding lens module through the second flat surface to the exterior of the corresponding lens module in the first axial direction, wherein the opening is the first opening. The lens assembly element as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality of lens modules include at least a first lens module, a second lens module, a third lens module and a fourth lens module, each lens module further includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion, wherein the opening in the first flat surface of the first lens module faces the opening in the first flat surface of the second lens module, so that the at least one The side surface of the lens of the third lens module is exposed to the side surface of the at least one lens of the second lens module, and passes through the opening of the first flat surface of the third lens module to face the opening in the first flat surface of the fourth lens module, so as to expose the side surface of the at least one lens of the third lens module to the side surface of the at least one lens of the fourth lens module, wherein the first surface of the first lens module The second surface portion of the first lens module faces the second surface portion of the third lens module, and the second surface portion of the second lens module faces the first surface portion of the fourth lens module, and the second surface portion of the first lens module includes a first opening, the first surface portion of the second lens module includes a second opening, the first surface portion of the third lens module includes a third opening, and the second surface portion of the fourth lens module includes a fourth opening, wherein each of the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening respectively exposes the other side surface of at least one lens of each of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module to the corresponding exterior of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module. The lens assembly element as described in claim 1, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further comprises: the optical portion, when observed in the optical axis direction of the corresponding lens module, has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, wherein the first edge has an arc shape, the second edge is disposed on a side opposite to the first edge relative to the optical axis and has an arc shape, and the third edge and the fourth edge respectively connect the first edge and the second edge to each other. The lens assembly element as described in claim 7, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further comprises the opening, the opening is located in the first flat surface, the third edge or the fourth edge is exposed to the exterior of the corresponding lens module through the opening to expose the optical portion to the exterior, and wherein the opening of the first lens module of the plurality of lens modules faces the opening of the second lens module of the plurality of lens modules. The lens assembly element as described in claim 7, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further includes the flange portion, and the flange portion has a first flange portion extending from the first edge and a second flange portion extending from the second edge. The lens assembly element as described in claim 9, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further comprises: the side surface of the first flange portion has a first flat surface portion and a first curved surface portion; the side surface of the second flange portion has a second flat surface portion and a second curved surface portion; the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion are surfaces intersecting with a virtual line passing through the optical axis and extending in the first axis direction; the first curved surface portion is disposed on both sides of the first flat surface portion; and the second curved surface portion is disposed on both sides of the second flat surface portion. The lens assembly element as described in claim 10, wherein the corresponding lens module of each of the plurality of lens modules further includes a surface of the corresponding lens module corresponding to the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion, the surface having an opening, and the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion are at least partially exposed to the exterior of the corresponding lens module through the opening. The lens assembly element as described in claim 1, wherein the lens holder has an opening portion, and portions of the corresponding side surfaces of each of the plurality of lens modules are exposed through the opening portion, and the opening portions are respectively arranged along the exterior of the lens holder at positions intersecting with corresponding virtual lines connecting optical axes of the lens modules in the plurality of lens modules, and the opening portions are arranged to face each other in corresponding diagonal directions. The lens assembly element as described in claim 1 further includes a single image sensor, wherein the lens assembly and the single image sensor are configured as a camera module. A lens assembly element as described in claim 13, wherein the short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the multiple lens modules is parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle is parallel to the long side of the single image sensor. A lens assembly element comprises: a camera module, comprising: a plurality of lens modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules accommodates one or more lenses; a lens holder accommodating the plurality of lens modules; a housing accommodating the lens holder; and an image sensor module coupled to the housing, wherein for each of the plurality of lens modules, the corresponding lens module comprises: four side surfaces, each of the four side surfaces at least having a flat surface; at least one of the four side surfaces having the flat surface penetrating the at least one side surface; The opening of the surface of the at least one lens of the one or more lenses of the corresponding lens module has a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, and has a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length; and at least a portion of the side surface of the at least one lens is exposed to the outer side of the corresponding lens module through the opening, wherein the at least one lens has an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion. The lens assembly element as described in claim 15, wherein the image sensor module includes a single image sensor, and the single image sensor is configured in the camera module to receive light directed toward the single image sensor by each of the multiple lens modules. A lens assembly element as described in claim 16, wherein the short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the multiple lens modules is parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle is parallel to the long side of the single image sensor. A lens assembly element as described in claim 16, wherein the area of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the multiple lens modules is smaller than the area of the effective image capturing area of the single image sensor. The lens assembly element of claim 16, wherein relative to capturing an image of the entire object, each of the one or more lenses of the plurality of lens modules respectively directs light from at least a different observation portion of the object to at least a separate portion of the single image sensor, or each of the one or more lenses of the plurality of lens modules respectively directs light of the entire object to at least the same portion of the single image sensor. A lens assembly element comprises: a camera module, comprising: a single image sensor; a plurality of lens modules, arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules respectively accommodates one or more lenses; a lens holder, accommodating the plurality of lens modules; and a housing, accommodating the lens holder, wherein the plurality of lens modules comprises two lens modules, each of the two lens modules having a lens that passes through the two lens modules. The virtual line of the optical axis of the optical axis intersects the adjacent side surface, wherein the adjacent side surface has an adjacent opening, and the adjacent openings respectively expose the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the lenses of the one or more lenses of the two lens modules to each other, and each of the lenses further includes a corresponding flange extending from the optical part, wherein the corresponding flange is arranged to face at least the corresponding inner side surface of the two lens modules. A lens assembly as described in claim 20, wherein, for each of the lenses, the corresponding lens includes a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens, and a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length. A lens assembly element as described in claim 20, wherein the corresponding inner side surfaces each have a surface portion with an opening, and the opening exposes the corresponding side surface of the corresponding flange to the corresponding exterior of the two lens modules. The lens assembly element as described in claim 20, wherein the plurality of lens modules include two other lens modules, each of the two other lens modules having other adjacent side surfaces intersecting with a virtual line passing through the optical axis of the two other lens modules, wherein the other adjacent side surfaces have adjacent openings, and the adjacent openings respectively expose the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the other lenses of the one or more lenses of the two other lens modules to each other. A lens assembly element as described in claim 23, wherein the plurality of lens modules include only four lens modules. A lens assembly element as described in claim 23, wherein when viewed in the direction of the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, each of the optical portion and the other optical portions has a first edge, a second edge and a third edge, wherein the first edge has an arc shape, the second edge is disposed on a side opposite to the first edge relative to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module and has an arc shape, and the third edge connects the first edge with the The second edges are connected to each other, and wherein exposing the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the lenses of the two lens modules to each other includes exposing the third edges of each of the two lens modules to each other, and exposing the corresponding side surfaces of the optical parts of the other lenses of the other two lens modules to each other includes exposing the third edges of each of the other two lens modules to each other. A lens assembly element as described in claim 23, wherein the short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the multiple lens modules is parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle is parallel to the long side of the single image sensor. The lens assembly element as described in claim 23, wherein the lens holder has an opening portion, and portions of the corresponding side surfaces of each of the plurality of lens modules are exposed through the opening portion, and the opening portions are respectively arranged along the exterior of the lens holder at positions intersecting with corresponding virtual lines of the optical axes of the lens modules connecting the plurality of lens modules, and the opening portions are arranged to face each other in corresponding diagonal directions. The lens assembly element of claim 20, wherein the plurality of lens modules and the lens holder are included in a lens assembly, and wherein the camera module is configured to move the lens assembly in a direction parallel to the optical axis and relative to the single image sensor, and/or to move the lens assembly in one or more directions perpendicular to the optical axis and relative to the single image sensor, for respectively performing focus adjustment and/or image stabilization.

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